★ ★ ★ ★ ★ "Some of the best, most complex world-building I've yet seen...Your next five star read." - Laurie Forest, New York Times and international bestselling author of The Black Witch Chronicles BEHIND THE MASK OF DUTY AND POWER, NO ONE IS WHO THEY SEEM... Centuries after the Forgotten Wars ravaged the world and turned it to ash, the Houses of Pilar, Darakai, Boreal, and Bastiion forged an accord with the royal line of Thoarne, founding a Quadren of advisory to the throne of Orynthia. Every generation, a single haidren from each of the four Houses is appointed to this coveted chair. Upon her Ascension to adulthood, Luscia Tiergan takes her seat at court as al'haidren to the House of Boreal and is quickly drawn into a maze of political traps and dark secrets. As she adjusts to her new life, Luscia uncovers a pattern of forgotten children, slain in the streets of Bastiion. Raised on superstitious rumors about Boreal's penchant for sorcery, Zaethan Kasim, al'haidren to the House of Darakai, inevitably clashes with Luscia when she arrives in Bastiion. But when his position is threatened by an old rival, Zaethan is forced to set aside his hatred and form an uneasy alliance with the Boreali al'haidren to secure his claim. Following a disturbing stream of innocent bloodshed across Orynthia, Luscia and Zaethan discover their ideals are far more aligned than they might have imagined. But in a land of war and deceit, the path to peace should never be trusted. The Series House of Bastiion is the first installment in the award-winning epic fantasy series, The Haidren Legacy. Brimming with courtly machinations and a diverse cast, House of Bastiion centers not around those wearing the crown, but those influencing it. Those who whisper into its ear; who protect or betray the agenda of the throne. For the most powerful in any society are rarely who they seem, and in the shadows are they ever truly unmasked. Themes such as loyalty, betrayal, duty, self-discovery, blood-ties, and prejudice unravel in a deadly explosion across a sprawling world built upon intricate cultural systems and diabolical plotlines. Following a string of hellish murders, this political masquerade packs a legendary punch for fans of Brandon Sanderson, Victoria Aveyard, John Gwynne, and Robin Hobb. By evoking the classic style of A Game of Thrones and The Lord of the Rings , The Haidren Legacy series is not for the faint of heart. Applause for House of Bastiion "A fantastic and explosive series opener." - Reader's Favorite "Your next five star read... The kind of book you want to read more than once." - Laurie Ann Forest, New York Times bestselling author of The Black Witch Chronicles "A creative fantasy with a strange, supremely detailed world and an extraordinary cast." - KIRKUS Reviews "A magician of world-building, K.L. Kolarich creates a realm like no other... Those seeking an intricate, sophisticated, and perfectly crafted fantasy world will find their grail in the ethereal language of House of Bastiion." - inD'Tale Magazine "An absolutely ethereal journey into an utterly unique and cleverly crafted world that fans of epic fantasy will have enough to sink their teeth into for years to come. Lyrical prose and startlingly vivid characters bring Orynthia to stunning life. An incredible debut from KL Kolarich." - Sarah M. Cradit, USA Today bestselling author of The Kingdom of the White Sea series "House of Bastiion is a symphony written in book form. The worldbuilding is magnificent... When the plot reaches its crescendo, watch out! You will be mesmerized." - Nerdy Girl Official " K.L. Kolarich weaves together stunning prose and rich world building. Tailored perfectly for epic fantasy readers, House of Bastiion is an enchanting debut. " - Nina Walker, USA Today bestselling author of The Color Alchemist Series " An immersive clash of vivid cultures in a bold new world. Kolarich's House of Bastiion is the perfect medley of intrigue, danger, court politics, and magic. " - Casey L. Bond, award-winning author of When Wishes Bleed "Beautifully written and darkly alluring." - The Literary Vixen "A new to me author who delivers an intriguing and complete tale. Intricate world building with a little romance. Rich in detail, this author knows how to hold your attention. Lovers of high fantasy will devour this. House of Bastiion is unmissable. Simply spellbinding." - Julieanne Lynch, award-winning author of Within the Shadows "House of Bastiion is a brilliant debut fantasy novel with fascinating world building and exciting characters with plenty of snark. Personally I was riveted by the threads of suspense that weave through the novel making it hard to put down. With plenty of intrigue, court politics and conflict, you'll find yourself falling in love with this story." - Angela J. Ford, international bestselling author "The tightly constructed plot, elevated by evocative writing and an array of in